Steps to Prep Your Furnace for the Houston Winter

It’s that time of the year and you are ready to turn on your heater for the first time. Before you do, you should perform a quick check of the system. Doing this ensures that it is safe to turn your system on – dust, debris, or leaks can create fire hazards or carbon monoxide risks. It also helps your system run more efficiently, saving you money and your system from being strained.

Below are a few things that you should check.

 AIR FILTER 

• Make sure that you have replaced it and that you have marked your calendar to regularly replace the furnace filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow and will cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.

POWER SWITCH

• Confirm the furnace power switch is turned on. 

Pilot light (if applicable) 

• Verify the pilot light is lit and burning steadily. 

thermostat

• Ensure it's set to "heat”, and the temperature is set correctly. Ideally you want to set the temperature to sit between 68° and 72°F.

Once you have checked all of this, you are ready to turn on your system. If all goes well, you are good to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee.  However, sometimes things don’t go smoothly, and you may need to troubleshoot your system.  If that is the case, and you followed all the steps above, here are a few things that you can check for

 CIRCUIT BREAKER

• Check your electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker related to the furnace.

VENTS

• Check for any blockages in the vents.

FLAME SENSOR 

• If your furnace shuts off shortly after starting, the flame sensor might be dirty or faulty.

If none of that works, and you are super handy, you may be able to check the following other potential issues.

• IGNITION PROBLEMS: If the furnace struggles to ignite, check the igniter or related components.
• BLOCKED DUCTWORK: Clogged ducts can prevent proper airflow.
• MALFUNCTIONING GAS VALVE: A faulty gas valve could prevent gas from reaching the burner.
• HIGH LIMIT SWITCH: This safety feature can shut off the furnace if it overheats.  

Whether or not you are handy, there are times when you really should call in a professional:

• If you are unsure about any troubleshooting steps.
• If the issue is complex or persists after basic checks.
• If you suspect a major component failure like a cracked heat exchanger.

Stay Warm This Winter With Velocity Air’s Houston HVAC Services

You don’t want to get caught in the Texas winter with no heat! If you are having trouble with your HVAC system, our team at Velocity Air is here to help. Whether you need routine maintenance, quick repairs, or a full furnace replacement, we will keep your furnace running efficiently and safely, so your home stays warm and cozy.

We provide expert Houston HVAC repair services, Houston HVAC installation services, and Houston HVAC preventive maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently all winter long. Velocity Air is proud to provide Houston HVAC services, including maintenance, emergency repair, and installation, to the Greater Houston Area.